A mesmerising glimpse into coral reefs: Underwater architects of the Indian ocean
Let's explore different kinds of coral and how these marine city planners play important roles in the ocean ecosystem
The tropical water of Indian Ocean that borders the 8000 km coastline of India, supports coral reefs throughout its marine areas. Gulf of Kachchh; Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay; Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among the major reef areas in India.
Acropora Coral by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Corals are bizarre amalgams of animal, plant and non-living material in one package. The coral polyps are animals that contain algae inside them, and also secrete calcium carbonate structures to form a hard skeleton.
Acropora sp. of corals in Lakshadweep
Arborescent Growth Form by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Let’s first look at a few species of Arborescent coral.
A coral of genus Acropora by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Corals of the arborescent growth form are very fast growing; generally the fastest among all different kinds of coral.
A coral of genus Acropora by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
These corals grow tall and have simple branches, giving them the appearance of a leafless tree.
A coral of genus Acropora by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
They are the homes of many fish and provide vital nursery space for baby fish.
Tabular Growth Form by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Then comes the Tabular form...
Acropora hyacinthus by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Corals that are classified under this growth form have a flat-top, like a table.
Acropora hyacinthus by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
These also grow quite fast, and once they are dead, they quickly attract baby corals to grow on their table-like structure.
A coral of genus Acropora by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Some fish, like these hawkfishes, perch on top of the table. They scan for unsuspecting prey, which they then swoop down on!
Corymbose Growth Form by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Next in our list is the Corymbose type...
An acropora species by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
These short branching species may not be as tall as their arborescent cousins, but have much more complex branches.
A coral of genus Acropora by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Most corals of the corymbose form are fast growers.
A coral of genus Acropora by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
One can find many small fish hanging around these homes and also darting in to hide from predators. These are again nursery sites in the ecosystem!
Foliose Growth Form by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Can you guess what the species of the Foliose growth form look like?
A coral of Montipora genus by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
You guessed it right! With their petal-esque design, they resemble the shape of a flower.
A coral of Tubinaria genus by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
These species grow at a moderately slow pace when compared with those we’ve seen so far.
A coral of Tubinaria genus by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Small predators find these to be great perching spots!
Massive Growth Form by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Next comes the Massive forms...
Platygyra ryukyuensis by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
As the name suggests, these corals are large, and rock-like in shape.
A coral of Goniastrea genus by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
Don't risk entering your massive coral into a growing contest. Although a few species grow fast, most massive corals have the slowest growth among those we've seen.
A coral of Favia genus by Oceans and Coasts Programme for Nature Conservation FoundationNature Conservation Foundation
They are perfect hiding spots for predators such as eels, octopi and large fish like groupers and sharks. They are also vital for reef building and island formation!
CREDITS:
Text and Photo Credits: Oceans and Coasts Programme, NCF
Illustrations: Malvika Tewari
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Donate to one of our research programmes to aid wildlife research and conservation. Visit: https://www.ncf-india.org/donate
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